The effect of temperature and moisture content on the behaviour of pyritic fill: Development of an in situ monitoring system

Abstract

Oxidation of pyrite-rich mudrocks is known to present a number of problems in ground engineering. Of particular concern at present is the oxidation and expansion of pyritic material used as fill beneath domestic properties. Such expansion is known to have caused damage to structures in many locations, including Canada, the USA, the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Although laboratory tests studying the nature of the material are ongoing, little data currently exists considering the behaviour of the material under field conditions. In particular, little is known about the impacts of climatic events and human habitation on the temperature and moisture conditions in the fill, both of which are recognised as key controlling factors of the reaction process. The paper considers the information that is presently available and looks at the development of a system for the in situ measurement and monitoring of temperature and moisture content within the fill material beneath a ground bearing floor slab.